A Brief Introduction to MSATA

Content:

MSATA (mini-SATA) is the mini version of SATA interface. The appearance and electronic interface are same with mini PCI-E. But as the electronic signals of mSATA and mini PCI-E are different, they can't be compatible with each other.

1.Concept
MSATA is the new product specification of mini-SATA (mSATA) interface controller developed by SATA organization (Serial ATA International Organization; SATA-IO). The new controller enables SATA technology to be integrated into the small-sized devices. Meanwhile, mSATA can offer not only the same speed and reliability with SATA interface standard, but also more efficient and cost-effective storage solutions for system developers and manufacturers of small-sized CE products (such as Notebooks/Netbook). Due to the small size of mSATA MINI PCI-E SSD, more and more laptops are using the hard disk with this interface, such as Lenovo E220s, E420S, E430, Y460, Y560 and K26, Dell M4500, M6400/M6500/M6600/M6700/M6800 and Fusion Garage JOOJOO.

2.Version
MSATA defines two types of interfaces with different sizes and specifications. They have the same application method, and the only difference is size.